The military needs to begin a massive airlift and rescue operation in New Orleans and other Gulf States. They cannot continue to do minimal fly-overs where they drop off too little food to too many people. People will begin dying soon of disease, starvation, and lawless activities. They cannot wait for any "further orders" because clearly none are forthcoming.
It's clear that the White House, Congress, and whatever passes for the Democratic party (apologies to Governor Dean) has failed the people of New Orleans and with it, the country. That's a terrifying thought because that's why we have a government, it's supposed to handle the big stuff. But what we have been screaming about in response to the Iraq war (i.e. sheer incompetence) has infected all levels of this country's political infrastructure.
As a peacenik, it frightens me to call on the military to take that much power. But frankly they are the only institution with the resources and discipline to carry it out. (And no, not ALL of them are in Iraq so it's doable.)
Finally, for the rest of us. We need to continue to send money and resources to the Gulf States.
But we also need to think hard about our own communities. I live in California. I do NOT doubt that the Bush administration and the do-nothing Democratic leadership would respond in the same way if a massive earthquake struck. We need to prepare now to do WITHOUT THEM.
Come on Bill, make the call to the military. They may have hated your guts on a personal level. But at least now, they know you were a competent leader who didn't get them killed for nothing.